Zak Chappell's career-best unbeaten 94 guided Derbyshire to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Northamptonshire in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Wantage Road. Chappell's innings helped turn around a dire situation for Derbyshire, who were struggling at 79 for 7 in pursuit of 236.
Chappell and captain Ross Whiteley rescued Derbyshire with a record-breaking 131-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Despite Northamptonshire's young pacer Raphy Weatherall sparking an early collapse with figures of 4 for 50 on his List A debut, Derbyshire took control with Chappell and Whiteley's stand.
Earlier, Northamptonshire's Emilio Gay (59) and George Bartlett (50) each scored half-centuries, contributing to a partnership of 79. Saif Zaib and Lewis McManus further boosted the total with a 69-run partnership. However, Northamptonshire's innings faltered, collapsing from 213 for 5 to 235 all out, with Chappell taking 4 for 39 and Samit Patel adding 3 for 41.
In Derbyshire's chase, early wickets fell quickly. Harry Came was bowled by Ben Sanderson, and Weatherall's incisive spell dismissed Guest, Reece, and Patel, leaving Derbyshire in trouble. The match shifted when Whiteley and Chappell came together, navigating through the pressure and Northamptonshire's bowling changes.
Chappell's powerful hitting, including key boundaries off Weatherall and Zaib, and Whiteley's composed 65 off 78 balls, brought Derbyshire close to victory. Whiteley was eventually caught on the boundary, but Chappell remained, securing the win with eight balls remaining. The partnership showcased resilience and skill, with Chappell's unbeaten 94 steering Derbyshire to a memorable win.